About this experience
This journey will cover the most picturesque corners of the eastern coast of Crete. You will visit the famous town of Elounda, see Mirabello Bay and the mysterious island of Spinalonga, enjoy mountain landscapes, visit an olive oil factory, and take a stroll through a traditional Cretan village. The reward will be lunch in a fish tavern on the shore of a bottomless lake.
What to expect
Beauties of eastern Crete
Our path leads to the famous resort of the northeast coast of Crete and to the small fishing village of Plaka. You will admire Mirabello Bay while sipping Greek coffee in a cozy pirate cafe, see the mysterious uninhabited island of Spinalonga, and then head to the Cretan "Green Ball", where you will get acquainted with Greek pastries, bread, and a drink made from almonds - Sumada.
Family olive oil factory and the place of olive oil in Cretan culture
At the exhibition-tasting center, we will talk about the "olive traditions" on the island, tracing their development from the Minoan civilization times. At the factory, you will discover the world of olive oil: learn about its 15 varieties and the nuances of using flavor additives (garlic, rosemary). You will get acquainted with several types of olives and olive varieties, learn to distinguish kalamata from kalamon and coronet from hondreli. You will learn about the different ways of preparing olives, which are even used to make pate, and, of course, taste the products, including the excellent local wine.
Cretan Neapoli and olive oil factory
After the factory, we will stop at the St. George Gorge, where you will visit the active male monastery of Selinari and hear its legend. Then we will go to a traditional bakery and confectionery, where you will get acquainted with Greek pastries, bread, and taste the traditional almond drink - sumada. And at a nearby family modern olive oil production, you will see the entire process of making "fresh gold" in practice and taste the product.
Natural cosmetics of Crete
Our next stop is a unique open family factory of natural organic cosmetics based on herbs, essential oils, and other gifts of Crete. Here you will not only appreciate the assortment, but also be able to buy quality products, as well as learn about the ancient traditions and secrets of the cosmetics production process.
Incomparable frescoes of an ancient church
Next, we go to a historical monument - the famous church of the Virgin of Kera. You will see frescoes from different chronological periods that have survived to this day in their original form. The church is located at the entrance to the traditional and very interesting village of Kritsa. If desired, we can wander through the old narrow cobblestone streets, peek into colorful courtyards, various workshops, and shops, and have a snack at a traditional tavern in the shade of a plane tree. And at the end, we will visit the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos - the city of St. Nicholas. Here you will have time to walk around the shops, have coffee, and admire the bottomless lake, where, according to myth, the goddess Aphrodite herself bathed.
Who is the tour suitable for?
- holidaymakers in the eastern part of Crete
- families with older children
- groups of friends, colleagues
- couples and small companies
- gourmets, nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those who simply want to get acquainted with the life of authentic Crete
Organizational details
- You will be accompanied by a driver and a guide on the tour. The tour is conducted in a comfortable 2019 minivan with air conditioning. Child seats are provided free of charge if needed.
- This car excursion usually starts early in the morning and ends in the afternoon.
- Transport costs are included in the tour price. We will pick you up at your hotel if you are staying in the following areas: Hersonissos, Analipsi, Anissaras, Gouves, Kokkini Hani, Malia, Stalida, Heraklion, Karteros, Amoudara, Agia Pelagia, Lassithi region, Agios Nikolaos.
- By agreement - Ierapetra, Elounda, Sitia, Bali, Rethymno, Chania
- Excursions on luxury transport are available for an additional fee by agreement.
- Not included in the price: lunch at the tavern - 10-20 euros/person; entrance tickets to museums, archaeological and historical sites. Wine tasting with cold snacks - 5 euros per person (optional).
- What to bring: comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a charged camera with free memory.
- I create routes for walks in Crete myself and carefully select only the most interesting places, those that I love myself.
- In my excursions, I focus more on the modern life of Crete, but the historical-cultural component is definitely present in my stories.
